“Local race clubs, whether they are thoroughbred racing, harness, or greyhound, can apply for grants of $20,000 to help them add new events to their calendar or diversify their entertainment offering,” Mr Marshall said.

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“Country racetracks are vital to local communities, whether larger centres like Armidale, Inverell and Moree, or smaller tracks like Bundarra, Deepwater, Talmoi and Mallawa.

“Race days can bring in thousands of visitors and untold economic revenue to regional areas. They are also incubator facilities where many trainers and jockeys start their careers.

“These grants allow clubs to either run more race days, run training events, host races tailored for new markets, or hold sport and community events at the track to diversify their offerings and income.”

Mr Marshall said grants of up to $20,000 were available for training programs for those wanting to begin a career in the industry, or host racing events oriented toward new markets, or sport and community events at the track.

“This strengthens the link between the community and the regional racing industries, which will allow all racing sports to thrive in the regions,” Mr Marshall said.

“We would like to see ideas that support and build upon current race meetings, such as markets or small concerts, and encourage more people to these events. By attracting people who may never have been to our local tracks before, we can bring different groups together and help sure up the future of racing in the country.”

Applications for the grants are open from 1 to 27 August 2018. For more information, including details on how to apply, please visit www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure-grants/back-to-the-track-regional-racing-grants-2018.